Table of contents
Support
External Supporters
Personal Experience
Let Children Strive
Sometimes, students don't realize or underestimate their parents' role in the college application process. A student might wonder what role parents could possibly play in their college application journey, but to their surprise, parents have a significant role in this process.
From selecting a major or college to dropping their child off at school, parents are present at every step of the application process. Let us understand their role in the college application journey.
Support
The first and foremost way parents can help their children is by guiding them and helping them discover their passions. College is a student's first adult decision, so they need all the support they can get during this time. Parents' experiences can help guide their children in times of confusion. In addition to guiding, it is also essential for parents to understand and respect their child’s choices and passions. A parent should not pressure or force their children into pursuing any particular path or attending a specific university simply because it aligns with their own desires. Any such pressure can have long-term effects on the child.
Another way in which parents can support their child is by creating a calendar and a list of deadlines. The college application process can be very frustrating for students, so parents should try to help where they are needed. They can check in on their children and provide regular reminders about upcoming deadlines. These small, yet impactful, practices are beneficial for both parents and children.
External Supporters
Parents can also provide their children with additional support, such as counselors. With so many domains and vast career options available, it can be overwhelming not only for students but also for parents, who may not have much exposure to these areas. Seeking additional support can be a lifesaver in such situations. Counselors and other support structures can provide children with valuable insights and help them immensely in their career paths. Parents can also assist their children in scheduling college tours. Every child has unique needs; some might require a college tour before applying to experience campus life, while others may prefer to visit after receiving acceptance. Parents should understand their children’s needs and trust the process.
Personal Experience
In addition to guidance and support, parents play a key role in sharing their personal experiences. Personal stories can be eye-opening for students. Parents' experiences can serve as a roadmap for their children, providing insights that help them avoid mistakes while also encouraging them to embrace the positive experiences they had in their college lives.
Let Children Strive
Ultimately, parents should allow their children to strive on their own. While we have discussed how parents should help their children, they must also step back and let their children navigate the world independently. Parents should guide their children but not take over the entire process. Students should communicate with admission officers themselves to learn about colleges and courses. They need to understand what they want and how to achieve it; after all, their parents won’t be accompanying them to college.
Parents should also ensure that their children understand financial matters—not just their family’s finances regarding tuition affordability, but also other expenses that will arise during college and how to manage them. Parents should teach their children about earning, borrowing, and the value of money.
These are the various roles parents play in their children’s college application process. Some may think these are basic understandings of parenthood rather than specific roles in the process, but sometimes the journey can become so overwhelming for both parents and children that they may overlook certain responsibilities. It is essential to remind each other of their roles and cooperate throughout the process. After all, all we can do is trust the journey.
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